Elizabeth Dunbar Feature Archive

The American Lung Association says air quality is improving in the Twin Cities, and gave the metropolitan area its best ranking yet on particulate pollution caused from vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions and wood burning.
(04/30/2014)

The rule was designed to protect downwind states from power plant pollution produced in 27 Midwestern and Appalachian states. But several upwind states and power companies had sued, arguing they should have a chance to determine how much they were contributing to pollution in other states.
(04/29/2014)

Twin Cities companies and governmental organizations pump billions of gallons of water every year to prevent the underground spread of pollution. But that puts stress on aquifers already the object of growing concern.
(04/28/2014)

Silica sand is abundant in southeastern Minnesota and is a crucial ingredient in the oil and natural gas extraction process known as fracking. Still, more than 6,000 Minnesotans have signed the moratorium petition.
(04/22/2014)

Minnesota's Next Generation Energy Act, which passed in 2007 with bipartisan support, says in part that utilities may not import additional coal-generated electricity into the state unless they offset the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.
(04/18/2014)

The company has asked the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to approve its plans to double the capacity of its Line 4 pipeline, built in 2008 to carry 165,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
(04/17/2014)

Some researchers asked the National Park Service to intervene to help wolves survive, saying the animals are a vital part of the Lake Superior island's ecosystem. Officials, however, aren't ready to do that
(04/09/2014)

Hundreds of land managers from more than 70 American Indian tribes across the country are in the Twin Cities this week to discuss implementing a landmark settlement with the federal government.
(04/08/2014)

State regulators have already signed off on Enbridge's plan to increase capacity to 570,000 barrels per day. Now the company is asking the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to approve an increased capacity of 800,000 barrels per day.
(04/03/2014)

Gusty winds have carried smoke from Kansas wildfires into Minnesota and the fine particles from the smoke are at a level that state officials consider unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children and the elderly.
(03/31/2014)